Hawks' Frolik signs to play in Europe

September 22, 2012|By Chris Kuc | Tribune reporter

The Chicago Blackhawks' Michael Frolik joined the growing ranks of players heading to Europe to play during the NHL lockout when the winger inked a deal with HC Chomutov of the Czech League on Saturday.

Frolik, who's first game with Chomutov is expected to be Tuesday, is the first Hawks player to sign with a European team and follows other NHLers overseas such as Evgeni Malkin, Ilya Kovalchuk, Pavel Datsyuk and Sergei Gonchar (Russia), Rick Nash and Joe Thornton (Switzerland) and Jaromir Jagr (Czech Republic).

The 24-year-old Frolik had five goals and 10 assists in 63 games with the Hawks last season. The Kladno, Czech, native, has represented his country many times in international competition.

Other Hawks are considering the move to Europe if the lockout extends weeks into months. Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Dave Bolland, Patrick Sharp and Jamal Mayers have all said they'd talk to their agents about playing overseas. Kane said Friday that he discussed with agent Pat Brisson about the possibilities of playing in Russia, Sweden or Switzerland but is in "no rush" to make a decision.

NHL players usually sign deals with European teams with an "Out Clause" allowing them to return to North American teams when the lockout ends.